Soft Cases - What Brand? Where From? Good/Bad Reviews?

[ritch remo]

Ritch Remo 2x4 Exotic Soft Case

Hello Monkey-Boy

I would like to share pics if I may of my latest 2x4 genuine black ostrich soft case. It has some Sheridan style tooled overlays and some at the strap tabs at the back. It's light weight that weighs about 1.13 lbs. The strap is custom fit and until the client confirmed to get the case, that's only time I make them. It will include a detachable chalk pouch. The price is $450 USD SHIPPED or I can make you a new one.:smile:
I have also a cue case gallery showing samples that I made mostly for Az clients
Cue Case Gallery ---> http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=382370&id=217571460075
Reviews: ---> http://www.facebook.com/album.php?a...#!/RitchRemo.Leather.CueCase?v=app_6261817190

Regards,
Ritch

Im looking at buying soft case as I aim to play alof of competitions in the next couple of years to gain more experience etc, and currently have a 3x5 Diamond Billiards case which is rather heavy when standing around for matches etc; so it makes sense to save weight and get a soft case.

Being based in the UK, the only ones available to me are Laperti and Buffalo, but I want to pick the brains of you AZBers to see if there are any other brands I could look into. Id like to know -

What brand?
Where from? Links to websites would be great :grin-square:
Id like a good quality soft case (is there such a thing? )...so any reviews of any would help

Thanks in advance guys and gals.

 

[ritch remo]

Another Ritch Remo Cue Case

Here's another soft case I made for NBC also an Az member. He commissioned me for a dragon case. My cases are lightweight but cradles and protects your cues at the same time.:thumbup:
Cue Case Gallery ---> http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=382370&id=217571460075
Reviews: ---> http://www.facebook.com/album.php?a...#!/RitchRemo.Leather.CueCase?v=app_6261817190

Im looking at buying soft case as I aim to play alof of competitions in the next couple of years to gain more experience etc, and currently have a 3x5 Diamond Billiards case which is rather heavy when standing around for matches etc; so it makes sense to save weight and get a soft case.

Being based in the UK, the only ones available to me are Laperti and Buffalo, but I want to pick the brains of you AZBers to see if there are any other brands I could look into. Id like to know -

What brand?
Where from? Links to websites would be great :grin-square:
Id like a good quality soft case (is there such a thing? )...so any reviews of any would help

Thanks in advance guys and gals.

 

[ritch remo]

Sample I made for bigslick "Texas Sun"

Here's the features:

-2 butts 4 shafts
-Western floral hand-tooling
-drop-ring closure
-quality veg-tanned leather in vintage brown
-Padded shoulder strap (Custom-fit and until the client confirmed to get the case, that's the only time I make them.)
-Hand-stitched Assembly
-Light weight (1.20 lbs)


Bonus:
-Detachable chalk pouch
-Hand-tooled

----> See Reviews

 

[Monkey-Boy]

Thank you everyone who has posted. It really has helped, except now I have more and more idea's etc.

John - I am curious to know more on what you can do with the leather butterfly cases that make them stronger than the others?

Rich - as I mentioned in PM, the case you have shown look fantastic...beautiful designs and your work is like a work of art.

 

[ritch remo]

Thank you everyone who has posted. It really has helped, except now I have more and more idea's etc.

John - I am curious to know more on what you can do with the leather butterfly cases that make them stronger than the others?

Rich - as I mentioned in PM, the case you have shown look fantastic...beautiful designs and your work is like a work of art.

Thank you for your kind words This my passion and what I love doing the most. Yes indeed, this is my art. Thanks again!

 

[JB Cases]

Thank you everyone who has posted. It really has helped, except now I have more and more idea's etc.

John - I am curious to know more on what you can do with the leather butterfly cases that make them stronger than the others?

Rich - as I mentioned in PM, the case you have shown look fantastic...beautiful designs and your work is like a work of art.

I am not entirely sure I understand the question. Are you asking what do we do now that makes our cases stronger/better than others?

Or what could we do on top of what we already do to make the cases better/stronger?

----------------------

I will answer it both ways. At present the leather butterfly cases we make have interiors that are divided compartments on a semi-rigid board. The fabric is super soft to the touch yet very strong and padded. The interior is designed in such a way that the cues are easy to put in and easy to get out. The case can be used like a conventional top-loading case in that you don't need to open it completely in order to insert/remove the cues. Then we make the outer shell using layers of soft padded fabric, treated woven cardboard, more padding, and finally the leather of your choice.

Your cues are fully encased in many layers of protection.

The zippers are the best available all the stress points on our cases are well reinforced with metal to metal fastenings. As you can see on the picture you see only pure leather where the stress points are as the "ugly" reinforcements are hidden under elegant tabs.

Coupled with that we can do them in any size and configuration. Pockets any way you like, extra pockets no problem, your name is done for free if you like.

So, that's what we currently do that I feel makes our cases stronger/better than anything similar that the competition does.

------------------------------------------------------------

What can we do to make them better/stronger?

Well if you wanted the case to be more rigid then we can do plastic inserts instead of cardboard. I have the ability to cut up our tubes into panels which can be used. The amount and type of padding can be increased. I have every type of foam rubber made and we can combine it in ways which make the cases physically stronger. Of course the interiors can also be made with plastic tubes, or sections of tubing such as a half moon or a 1/3 section to offer more protection per individual part.

There is really no limit to how far we can go to make these cases "better/stronger" but you should be aware that the more we add the more weight comes with it.

I hope that this was the answer you were looking for.

 

[poolplayer2093]

Im looking at buying soft case as I aim to play alof of competitions in the next couple of years to gain more experience etc, and currently have a 3x5 Diamond Billiards case which is rather heavy when standing around for matches etc; so it makes sense to save weight and get a soft case.

Being based in the UK, the only ones available to me are Laperti and Buffalo, but I want to pick the brains of you AZBers to see if there are any other brands I could look into. Id like to know -

What brand?
Where from? Links to websites would be great :grin-square:
Id like a good quality soft case (is there such a thing? )...so any reviews of any would help

Thanks in advance guys and gals.

mezz soft cases give all the other soft cases the 7 out. all the little improvements really make the difference

 

[JB Cases]

mezz soft cases give all the other soft cases the 7 out. all the little improvements really make the difference

That's a strong statement. It's funny because I once had a card that read something along the lines of Instroke cases being the "lockdown Hungarian nuts and could give all other cases the 6 out and be stone cold stealing".

What improvements do you mean that make Mezz cases so strong? Got any pictures?

These? http://www.mezzcues.us/gear/cuecase/mz-48/index.html

Mezz had another one out that was very nice looking with a cool design. As far as I know it's been discontinued.

Mezz does not make or design the cases. Those are made by Long Chen. Which is in itself not a bad thing just mentioning it.

My point though is what exactly makes the cases you speak of so much better than ours? Because the 7-out is strong language and in the case game I'd like to think we play world class and I am ready for a TAR match anytime with no spot.

These are the ones I referred to which seem not to be made anymore, it's very hard to find them listed on the web anywhere. They are basically takeoffs on tennis racquet/badminton racquet style cases. They are the ones I think have a nice look to them and the pocket inside has a bunch of smaller pocket similar to the way a some backpacks are done. This is something that's been around for a while and hasn't really caught on yet. I think it has some merit as I personally hate to root around for all the little stuff. We have done a few prototypes with tons of little pockets. Mixed reviews.

Don't know if it's worth the 7-out though

But nice cases nonetheless. I am probably going to use the Wave case design on some of our new butterflies to end up with something similar. As to the way the pockets are done I am not sure yet how I want to go on that. I have an idea which I think will combine the two concepts.

 

[Monkey-Boy]

I am not entirely sure I understand the question. Are you asking what do we do now that makes our cases stronger/better than others?

Or what could we do on top of what we already do to make the cases better/stronger?

----------------------

I will answer it both ways. At present the leather butterfly cases we make have interiors that are divided compartments on a semi-rigid board. The fabric is super soft to the touch yet very strong and padded. The interior is designed in such a way that the cues are easy to put in and easy to get out. The case can be used like a conventional top-loading case in that you don't need to open it completely in order to insert/remove the cues. Then we make the outer shell using layers of soft padded fabric, treated woven cardboard, more padding, and finally the leather of your choice.

Your cues are fully encased in many layers of protection.

The zippers are the best available all the stress points on our cases are well reinforced with metal to metal fastenings. As you can see on the picture you see only pure leather where the stress points are as the "ugly" reinforcements are hidden under elegant tabs.

Coupled with that we can do them in any size and configuration. Pockets any way you like, extra pockets no problem, your name is done for free if you like.

So, that's what we currently do that I feel makes our cases stronger/better than anything similar that the competition does.

------------------------------------------------------------

What can we do to make them better/stronger?

Well if you wanted the case to be more rigid then we can do plastic inserts instead of cardboard. I have the ability to cut up our tubes into panels which can be used. The amount and type of padding can be increased. I have every type of foam rubber made and we can combine it in ways which make the cases physically stronger. Of course the interiors can also be made with plastic tubes, or sections of tubing such as a half moon or a 1/3 section to offer more protection per individual part.

There is really no limit to how far we can go to make these cases "better/stronger" but you should be aware that the more we add the more weight comes with it.

I hope that this was the answer you were looking for.

It covers all the questions John. Thanks for the time replying :thumbup:

A few friends have these cases and I really like them. Shame they dont make them otherwise I would have had one...

 

[Realizm]

I got a real nice 4x8 soft case from twilight on here he has a web site and some cases i just dont reemeber the name of it PM him i got a great price on mine

Thanks Trent and i do have many more in 5 colors 4x5 pm me .

 

[trob]

Thumbs up to the silver fox case! Very well made!

 

[Monkey-Boy]

Thanks Trent and i do have many more in 5 colors 4x5 pm me .

Hi there,

Can you show me any butterfly cases that are 4x2 size?

Thumbs up to the silver fox case! Very well made!

Does look well made

 

[Trent]

Hi there,

Can you show me any butterfly cases that are 4x2 size?



Does look well made

there great cases and they are butterfly i believe along with water proof:thumbup:

i gave up my instroke 3x5 for this case and love it, ive fit as many as 6 cues with 10 shafts oin this bag before :thumbup: works great for me and all the maintenance i do i think i have 5 cues and 8 shafts in it now actually. and the price is great.:thumbup: pull the trigger youll be glad you did.

 

[Reddy]

For cases (both hard and soft), I would highly recommend South-Pak (http://www.south-pak.com). They have a live chat if you guys have questions for em.

To go directly to their custom cases page, http://www.south-pak.com/solutions/custom-cases

 

[phread59]

John it is good to see you back. Not to hijack this thread, but I have a question. I went over to Cuesight to look at the Sterling cases you showed above. And I noticed you have listed some Superior soft cases. What are the differences to the one you posted pictures of? I'm really interested in one as a stopgap till I can afford one of your customs. I have hard cases and want to try a soft side one.

Ever since we met at this years SBE in PA I've wanted one of your custom cases. I thank you for spending 20 minuits yacking with a nobody. It shows the character you posess. That means a lot to me. Right now the money isn't there. But after Christmas I intend to order a case. Not sure what yet. But I will have a Barton case. Thank you for spending the time to answer all of our questions

Mark Shuman

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

The one thing I don't care for in the Silver Fox and J&J soft cases is that the cues are double stacked on each side. When you put the case on the table and open it (butterfly) you have to then fold out each side again to access the cues behind. In other words, each side butterflies again. I prefer the design of the Lucasi and the Sterlings in that when you open the case all the cues are accessible.

 

[brandoncook26]

John it is good to see you back. Not to hijack this thread, but I have a question. I went over to Cuesight to look at the Sterling cases you showed above. And I noticed you have listed some Superior soft cases. What are the differences to the one you posted pictures of? I'm really interested in one as a stopgap till I can afford one of your customs. I have hard cases and want to try a soft side one.

I asked for pictures of that case after he posted pics of the 4x8 soft case. If you look down there are also pics of the inside of the superior soft case that John was good enough to provide.

 

[ridewiththewind]

Monkeyboy...as a long time forum member, I can vouch for the fact that when it comes to cue cases, there is really very little that John Barton cannot do when it comes to building a case.

I am sure you have heard of Instroke Cases? John was the man behind that company, and the designer of those cases. He is no longer with Instroke, and has since started his own custom case company, JB Cases. http://www.jbcases.com/ He is also involved with GTF Cases, which are the Centennial/Fellini extrusion tubed cases you often see here. Add to that, he is also the man behind the product improvements and innovations with Sterling Cases. He continues to build the best product he can, using the highest quality materials available. If he cannot find a component that meets with his high specs, he will design and manufacture it himself. His dedication to his craft, puts him in the upper echelon of case makers.

What I can tell you is this...he knows how to build a case that is the ultimate in cue protection, no matter what style of case you are looking for. His attention to detail is amazing. It should be noted that that attention to detail is there whether it's one of his high end leather cases, or the affordability of the Sterling line of cases...the interiors are of the same quality. He also absolutely stands behind his product...if there is the rare 'issue', he will take care of it to make sure you are happy. He understands that the pool/billiards community is relatively small, but vocal one...and that word of mouth can make or break a business.

Long before I counted him as my friend, I still believed everything I have mentioned above. I used his Instroke cases in the past, and currently carry one of his Wave by Sterling cases...and absolutely love it! He also listens to what the players are looking or hoping for in a case...in fact, he and I have had several conversations discussing his butterfly cases, and ways by which to make them more versatile and appealing to pool players in general. He has managed to figure out a way in which to bring his various style of cases in at every price point, so that no one looking for the ultimate in cue protection is left behind.

Lisa

 

[JB Cases]

John it is good to see you back. Not to hijack this thread, but I have a question. I went over to Cuesight to look at the Sterling cases you showed above. And I noticed you have listed some Superior soft cases. What are the differences to the one you posted pictures of? I'm really interested in one as a stopgap till I can afford one of your customs. I have hard cases and want to try a soft side one.

Ever since we met at this years SBE in PA I've wanted one of your custom cases. I thank you for spending 20 minuits yacking with a nobody. It shows the character you posess. That means a lot to me. Right now the money isn't there. But after Christmas I intend to order a case. Not sure what yet. But I will have a Barton case. Thank you for spending the time to answer all of our questions

Mark Shuman

Thank you Mark.

The "Superior" soft cases are basically cases with fully lined compartments for each cue part, roomy pockets and a side handle and strap. They are a step up from the basic soft cases with one pocket and limited divided storage.

I divide cases into three categories, soft (can be deformed easily without tools) semi-hard (has form and is harder to deform) and hard (not easy to deform).

Butterfly cases are semi-hard, some folks here call them soft cases but that's not accurate. Soft cases are the ones you can fold up and they will go back to the original shape.

 

[JB Cases]

The one thing I don't care for in the Silver Fox and J&J soft cases is that the cues are double stacked on each side. When you put the case on the table and open it (butterfly) you have to then fold out each side again to access the cues behind. In other words, each side butterflies again. I prefer the design of the Lucasi and the Sterlings in that when you open the case all the cues are accessible.

This was one of the issues I addressed when designing my new interior for the butterfly cases. I really don't like the flaps and general cumbersome way that cues are handled in most other butterfly cases. So I went back to the original, American Vinyl Products, which have no flaps, and built a new interior that's easy to use even if you only unzip the case part way.

Here is a little video of me showing off how the new interior works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqqlKSOM4wg